My 14-yo has been talking about a gaming computer for many moons. He wants to play Steam games: Minecraft, Don't Starve, Day Z, etc. Mainly networked playing. All of the computers we look at are just a really high end, colorful box with no OS, no monitor, no keyboard or mouse for around $800-$900. I am looking for an all-in-one that is graphics, ram and HD expandable and will run Steam (mostly) effortlessly. All suggestions welcome!
posted by parmanparman
on Jan 29, 2015 -
16 answers

A social enterprise I started a few years ago is finding traction and I have a real opportunity to go back to study part time while continuing to work. I want to build on some early work I did with volunteer fundraising training and operations management. What stinks or swims charities is volunteer participation. I am trying to find courses - master's, certificates, short courses (anywhere, online preferred) geared at volunteer management, community organising, political organising, and especially human resource management or human resource development with underserved populations. Can you signpost me? [more inside]
posted by parmanparman
on Jan 9, 2015 -
2 answers

I got my front teeth fixed a year ago. 34 combined years of teeth not growing in, braces, terrible falling bridges, and bad dentists had taken their toll before I managed to find a dentist who could do a good job. I do smile and did smile before but it was often self-counscious; nice kid, shame about the teeth. [more inside]
posted by parmanparman
on Dec 17, 2014 -
8 answers

A few years ago I started a tool bank, lending tools to charities in the English West Midlands. It has received a lot of support from grantmakers, but there are so few borrows it has been demoralising. I have always sought out volunteers to assist in day to day work and marketing, but never found anyone through any established volunteer centre for the almost two years they have advertised the job descriptions. I am now working on merging the tool bank into a resource library of culinary equipment and tools in Sandwell, the borough next to where I live in Dudley. Despite it being run in conjunction with the council, so a municipal effort available to anyone with a public library card, I worry about not ever being able to find volunteers. What are some volunteer recruitment solutions I could try that have worked for you in a place where initially, it was difficult to create a base? I am engaging with a volunteer management professional, but I also want to have ideas if the library group chooses to not fund her interim role.
posted by parmanparman
on Dec 6, 2014 -
9 answers

New job is going swimmingly except that the CRM I am working with is fast being shown by its own abilities to be a dud. It is called SuiteCRM. I am done with the official customer support and looking for a book that will show me how to do all the things our IT consultant either can't be bothered to do or doesn't know how to do. Particularly, set up functionality to receive email in the CRM and install email templates. Can you signpost me?
posted by parmanparman
on Nov 27, 2014 -
0 answers

Can you still do a week's food shopping in one go? If you have moved to going to the grocery store more than once a week to buy things to cook that day or the next few days, what do you typically run out of, or is it more of an impulse buy? If you were able to have appliances or storage to help you keep food fresh or remember to use what you bought, what would you consider getting? Assume a typical English diet: meat, potatoes, greens, bread, tea, coffee, milk etc. [more inside]
posted by parmanparman
on Oct 25, 2014 -
14 answers

Is your business or non-profit happily running along with SugarCRM CE? Obviously, server-side CRM systems are not fashionable at the moment but I would be grateful for suggestions for a good alternative or guidance on success with CE. I am okay with a lot of CRMs but the need for a server based solution requires some digging into what is out there. Either recommend a pathway for effective business management use of SugarCRM CE, or please suggest an alternative CRM solution. [more inside]
posted by parmanparman
on Sep 23, 2014 -
9 answers

I am trying to find an ordering and database solution for the tool bank I manage in England. I currently use WooCommerce which is great but not built for a library type service. Ideally, I would like an ordering solution that has no pictures and is incredibly straightforward. Is there a cloud based web borrowing solution where one can see quantity of items in real time and order against and items can be added back just as quickly? Happy to consider just about any solution at this point! The rub is I need a system that can also track repairs and orders in supply chain. I am guessing that is not too difficult but a consultant from the library sector had no idea where to start for less than £10,000 per year.
posted by parmanparman
on Aug 10, 2014 -
7 answers

I am finding British social entrepreneurs and charity leads to be very timid about expansion for expansion's sake. I am trying to find more compelling global voices who have shared an urban development idea in an open source way. Not at all in an IT sense, I should add. Bonus if it has zero to do with lending with interest.
posted by parmanparman
on Jul 26, 2014 -
3 answers

I live in the West Midlands, home to a few good university libraries. Unfortunately, none of these libraries offer memberships to community members. My own alma mater, Birmingham City University, does not have an alumni library membership. It's very annoying. I would really like access to SagePub and T&F for journal articles. Can you recommend a university or college in the UK, Europe, or anywhere that offers remote access to their library's databases and where I could buy an annual membership?
posted by parmanparman
on Jun 27, 2014 -
15 answers

SO and me saw a chocolate brown satchel purse (this kind of design but the leather was real and not mottled) she really liked at a shop but agreed it was over-priced and probably cheaper online. The bag was labeled "Vera Pelle" and searches on eBay and other places brought up quite a lot of bags under that label. On Friday, we discovered Vera Pelle just means "real leather" in Italian and is stamped on any bag made in Italy that is made out of leather. So, we're trying to find places that have catalogs of Italian made, non-branded leather purses to peruse to find the purse she liked. Any suggestions?
posted by parmanparman
on Jan 7, 2014 -
10 answers

Last night, while capping off a great day out, my girlfriend stumbled upon a big table crowded with friends she knew from before we met. It created a wave of sadness and nostalgia on her part that I could not do much about but listen. We go on several dates each month. I am working really hard to make our life more certain and rich but see clearly that I am not able to provide enough group experiences that my girlfriend would enjoy. I like to entertain but she is tired of always having everyone at our house. I can find lots of groups to join. I really want to ask her friends not to forget about us when they are going for a night out. What are some tactics I could use to do this?
posted by parmanparman
on Dec 29, 2013 -
8 answers

A while ago I bought my nephew a plush toy train with a string-wound mechanism inside that shook the toy but made no noise until the string was wound down again to the rivet opening. I know for a fact the toy was discontinued. Could you please direct me to a company which sells string-winding shaking toy mechanisms?
posted by parmanparman
on Dec 11, 2013 -
6 answers

I have this poster of Captain Planet that I want to frame to put in my office and I am thinking of "autographing" it. However, I do not seem to find any evidence of Captain Planet being able to either read or write, despite having a great spoken vocabulary. This could be because the earth does not have its own written language or alphabet. I am thinking the best thing to do is punch a hole in the poster and then hang it. Do you have any better ideas?
posted by parmanparman
on Oct 24, 2013 -
4 answers

Last October, I started a charity that since April I have won some good grants, grown over the last three months from 10 to 54 clients. Well enough, I am happy to continue working on it as a volunteer and board member. But, it doesn't need full-time employees. I have got some consulting work beginning in November. I would like to find a full-time job. Explaining "I did this, it is going well, now I need some money" is difficult. I am trying to find a non-profit or NGO career consultant in England or the EU to help sort this all out. Can you help?
posted by parmanparman
on Sep 29, 2013 -
3 answers

I have been running a Facebook group since 2012 and I got a grant to do research with the findings from it. I need to download the group's postings and responses into a table and thinking the most reliable way to do so is with SQL. However, I have only just started with SQL and although I have found some ideas on Github for doing it, have no idea how to get started with pulling the information. I am seeking advice and possible alternatives. Can you help?
posted by parmanparman
on Aug 29, 2013 -
3 answers

I run a business where people order equipment online and then I have to call them to arrange pickup. I have a Wordpress site and using WooCommerce. I am trying to find a solution where someone could place and schedule an order using a drop down calendar 48 hours or more in advance . any advice on plugins or solutions I should be looking at?
posted by parmanparman
on Aug 20, 2013 -
4 answers

Who represents learning disabled artists? Or how can I find blogs or catalogs that feature learning disabled or developmentally disabled artists working in any media? Europe and South America especially but welcoming feedback about the rest of the world. Thanks!
posted by parmanparman
on Jul 17, 2013 -
8 answers

Say you had a team of three to five people working once per week over a year doing a gardening project on one acre of land and poly tunnels in a cold-to-moderate climate with clay and loamy soil (England). What tools would they need a weekly basis and what tools would they need on a once-per-year or quarterly basis?
posted by parmanparman
on May 6, 2013 -
4 answers

The British (whose country I live in) do amazing fireworks displays. Is there some kind of (any kind of) international/European championship of fireworks? OR, is there a blog of fireworks display videos you can direct me to.
posted by parmanparman
on Apr 20, 2013 -
9 answers

I have been going to butchers having my own ground chuck (mince in England) and sausages made. I would like to try to make a sausage mixture that matches Jimmy Dean Premium Pork Hot Sausage and Pork Light Sausage. Ingredients are clearly closely guarded secrets. Any taste reflections or recipe suggestions? Detail: Jimmy Dean is only known for Big Bad John and Little Black Book in Europe. [more inside]
posted by parmanparman
on Mar 9, 2013 -
8 answers

Android Appfilter: I have been reading about humanity's sleep schedule (polyphasic sleep) before industrialization and the eight hour day. I would like to know if there is an app or something else to help me regulate my waking/sleeping to that schedule. I know there are apps for picking the best times to go to sleep and wake up, but they don't have the kind of windows I am looking for. Any help?
posted by parmanparman
on Jan 23, 2013 -
3 answers

I have known that Mr. Rogers, Fred Rogers was an ordained Presbyterian minister for about 10 years. What I have never been able to find are any surviving tapes or transcripts of his sermons or religious lectures. I would like to find if there are any. Does anyone have an idea of where to start looking or if there is a story about why none survive him?
posted by parmanparman
on Jun 7, 2012 -
7 answers

I just watched Poltergeist, which I am now thinking seems right-wing, almost Catholic. at the end of the movie, the husband kicks the tv out of the room and serene music plays. is this a common feature of the movies of the time? did people kick the tv out of the room a lot in the movies of the 80s?
posted by parmanparman
on Mar 28, 2012 -
15 answers

My first visiting lecturer job starts next week. I know the department and the class will be small. what should I expect and what should I try not to do?
posted by parmanparman
on Feb 8, 2012 -
12 answers

I am moving to London to start a new job next week/week after and finding my room/studio search hampered by squatters and wire transfer fraudsters. Can you recommend a letting agency for East London?
posted by parmanparman
on Sep 25, 2011 -
7 answers

What are the best temp agencies for non-profit work in the United States? Specifically, I am looking for agencies in Chicago, Boston, Washington DC, New York City and San Francisco.
posted by parmanparman
on Jul 24, 2011 -
4 answers

I remember reading about a young violin prodigy of the 1970s who had eccentric parents who dressed him up in a caveman-style shawl made of bear fur. Does anyone know the name and travails of this now probably aged 40+ violinist?
posted by parmanparman
on May 7, 2011 -
3 answers

I just completed a ten-day Vipassana course and was able to undo knots I never expected to work and feel very much renewed to work for justice and compassion. I am continuing the practice and can now sit for about 1.25 hours without voluntarily reacting to sensations in and on my body. Recently, I have begun experiencing very intense talking in my head. Not "Me" talking, but more like visualizing being spoken to about a whole range of subjects I had never thought of. It is almost like watching a boring documentary, about milk production for example. If you practice Vipassana or other meditation, did you experience this and how long did you take to break out of it?
posted by parmanparman
on Jan 8, 2011 -
11 answers

According to Posterous, I have had around 2,000 hits on a website I am working on in the last 32 days. According to Google Analytics, I have had exactly 125. What gives and what's reliable? Also, can anyone recommend a good book or website about fully utilizing Analytics?
posted by parmanparman
on Dec 11, 2010 -
8 answers

A few years ago I bought a vinyl soft-filled cable car toy for my nephew. All it had was a pull-cord on the side that when pulled would make the toy gently shake or rattle until the pull-cord ring was back at the side of the toy. It was great! It made zero noise! It's been discontinued! Help me find something like it that I can order over the internet for a very nice three-year-old's Christmas present. It need not be a cable car but trains or other mechanicos would be awesome! Thank you so much in advance.
posted by parmanparman
on Oct 28, 2010 -
2 answers

The British Consulate Visa Section in LA today COMPLETELY MISSED the fact my visa application was entitled to priority service from UK-Worldbridge Service despite the priority service notice being the first thing they would have seen upon opening the envelope. My university in Birmingham has been extremely bad at getting documents to me and I start in a week and a half. Is there any way I can notify the consulate that I have made a priority service application and so it should be treated as such?
posted by parmanparman
on Sep 20, 2010 -
5 answers

36 hours in Maine this weekend with a rental car. I am thinking of not getting a hotel room and instead car-camping. I'll be in Camden Maine for a wedding Friday and Saturday and plan to return to Boston late on Saturday to take a bus to DC. I want to spend as much of Friday wandering around Portland before driving to Camden and kind of want to spend the morning in Portland on Saturday, too. Is this a good idea? Any tips on quiet places to park and snooze?
posted by parmanparman
on Aug 11, 2010 -
6 answers

I have accepted a job with the United Nations and will be going to Sudan in the next eight weeks once the visa is cleared. I want to make the next couple of months as personally joyful as possible - help me work in three areas of focus I can do every day. [more inside]
posted by parmanparman
on Apr 24, 2010 -
7 answers

I moved across the country for a dream job at my alma mater, my job's funding was cut and I am now unemployed. I have no benefits and am losing my place at the end of the month. I don't have a lot of money but I have decided to make a go of Eugene, Oregon. I have applied to some temp places, but what else should I be doing as a professional fundraiser and broadcast journalist to find work and get my life together? I am over the despair but I need major help. [more inside]
posted by parmanparman
on Dec 17, 2009 -
5 answers

I have been invited to become an Elk! At 30 years of age, I feel like this one achievement, however dubious, finally signals my movement into adulthood. But there must be better, more awesome, and my own-age groups to join. Tell me what they are!
posted by parmanparman
on Dec 2, 2009 -
15 answers

Going to Italy at the end of January. Not the most ideal time to take a vacation. We are going to Milan, Tuscany, and Venice. How can two people make the most of it?
posted by parmanparman
on Nov 4, 2009 -
22 answers

How does Gourmet: Diary of a Foodie get funded? Is it just like a non-commercial commercial for Gourmet magazine and its advertisers and then given away to public radio stations?
posted by parmanparman
on Sep 19, 2009 -
6 answers

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